Easy traditional Shortbread cookies are made with only 3 ingredients. These sweet treats are rich and flaky, and perfect to give as gifts!
To all the Canadians out there (myself included), Happy Thanksgiving! This is my first year making a turkey, and I am super nervous about it. I mean, give me a challenging baking creation, I will try to master it. Making croissants? No problem. But having to touch meat and cook it? Well, I don’t think that is my specialty.
So while I try to focus on not ruining a really expensive turkey, I will make the most simple dessert known to man. The best shortbread cookies.
Not just any homemade shortbread cookies though. This easy shortbread cookie recipe is only made with 3 ingredients, so I know for a fact that I have all of the ingredients. This is such a good shortbread dough recipe, I don’t think I will want to buy those Scottish shortbread biscuits I usually buy.
These flaky cookies are perfect for gift giving or for your next bake sale! I love to bake shortbread for others, and these are the best cookies that I make for Christmas time. The holiday season is never complete without making this basic shortbread cookie recipe. Maybe I’ll dip them in melted chocolate the next time? What do you think?
Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
The best part about this classic shortbread recipe is that it is made with only 3 ingredients, all of which you probably have in your pantry! All you need is:
- white sugar
- room temperature butter (or unsalted butter + 1/4 tsp salt)
- all purpose flour
Tips
Storage: store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Experiment with different shapes. I love making either shortbread fingers or squares, but there are so many different ways to shape these cookies! If you wanted a circular cookie, the easiest way is to make a log shape rather than use a round cookie cutter. Then all you need to do is make a clean cut using a sharp knife and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Use whatever cake pans you have. While I did square in this recipe, you can also use round pans and cut the shortbread biscuit into wedges.
Try it with different flour. Instead of plain flour, try using either whole wheat flour or gluten free flour such as rice flour. There are so many slightly different ways you can jazz up this recipe.
More of my Favorite Cookies
Like these classic Shortbread cookies? Then you will love these recipes that are perfect for your cookie jar:
If you try this recipe, let me know! Rate it, leave a comment and tag me with #atasteofmadness on Instagram! I always love seeing what you are creating!
Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Fold in the flour until fully combined.
- Press the cookie dough into an 8×8 baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and I love your pick of a classic shortbread for a dessert. Whenever I eat cookies like shortbread, I am amazed by how good it is! Hope there are some left for the students! 🙂
I have a similar recipe for shortbread cookies and you are right, they are great. Another option? Add pure almond extract flavoring.
I love this mini version!
They look perfect Cathleen..
I am a shortbread fan..even Walker's..shh…
I don't eat desserts..but a shortbread does not count..
Love the mug..bet you are.. w/ one of my daughter's:)
Three ingredients? Ingenious! 😀 And they look fantastic as well, sweet and buttery 😀 Perfect!
I hope you had a lovely thanksgiving Cathleen! And that all the cooking went as smoothly as anything 🙂 x
There is nothing like shortbread. This has my vote!
Just three ingredients? Bookmarked!
Only 3 ingredients?! I love this recipe 😀
Oh only 3 ingredients for this yummy shortbread cookies! Bookmarked! Thanks for sharing & Happy Thanksgiving!
These shortbread cookies are so amazing and just 3 ingredients! I can literally make this right now (the cravings have already started to kick in 😀 )
looks delicious,crispy ..yummy!
I love how shortbread cookie melt in your mouth! these look wonderful! 😉
Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful! Love these cookies — I'm a sucker for shortbread anything. 😉 These look A+ — thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
These shortbread cookies are perfect, Cathleen.
I am a sucker for shortbread cookies, I love their butter and crumbly texture, and that melt in your mouth feeling, I can never get enough, your look really good!
http://peasandpeonies.com
This looks awesome
Happy Thanksgiving !! We do not celebrate Thanksgiving over here, hope we do. Can't believe shortbread only need 3 ingredients and have a rice taste.
Shortbread is one of my all-time favorites! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Cathleen!
What an easy recipe…only 3 ingredients, wow! They look amazing!
Hooray for simple and delicious desserts! I really miss Canadian Thanksgiving as a Canadian in the US. Obviously, the answer is for me to celebrate two Thanksgivings with shortbread for each!
These look so scrumptious! And only 3 ingredients? I could make these right now!